First-year All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has handed the No. 15 jersey to Stephen Perofeta ahead of Beauden Barrett for the opening Test against England in Dunedin.
Robertson has otherwise named a predictable line-up, with TJ Perenara set to play his first Test since 2022 after beating out Finlay Christie at scrum-half.
The team will be led for the first time by new skipper Scott Barrett, who partners Patrick Tuipulotu in the second-row despite the Blues enforcer’s recent injury troubles.
In the back-row, Samipeni Finau will look to bring his special breed of physicality after earning the No. 6 jersey.
“This was a very tough squad to pick, but we’ve selected the best 23 players to beat England on Saturday,” Robertson said.
“There is a lot of excitement in the group for our first Test and we’re walking together toward this opportunity to represent New Zealand and our families in Dunedin in front of a sold out stadium. We’ve prepared well and we’re ready.”
While Robertson’s ascension to the top job in New Zealand rugby — and arguably the most important role in New Zealand full stop — represents the start of a new era, the former Crusaders boss has still been able to call on 934 caps’ worth of international experience.
NEW ZEALAND: Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara; Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Samipeni Finau, Patrick Tupiulotu, Scott Barrett (c), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungasfasi Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett.